Figures from the scientific community and beyond came together to mark the passing of the renowned theoretical physicist, Stephen Hawking, who died aged 76, at his home in Cambridge on Wednesday. Which was coincidently also on the same day as Albert Einstein's birthday. The academic, author and noted scientist brought his complex theories to a wide audience through his bestselling book, "A Brief History of Time”, explaining his theories of gravity, black holes and the Big Bang. He is one of the world’s most renowned scientists in his field, despite his extraordinary battle with his incurable motor neurone disease. Gradually paralysing him over the decades, resulting in the loss of his speech, only being able to communicate through a speech-generating device, which gave him his distinctive voice.
“It has become my trademark, and I wouldn’t change it for a more natural voice with a British accent.”
Despite this, nothing was holding him back and as the disease progressed, so did his career. He continued to travel the world, giving lectures and his exploration of his scientific work including the research of “gravitational singularity theorems in the framework of general relativity and the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, often called Hawking radiation. Hawking was the first to set out a theory of cosmology explained by a union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. He was a vigorous supporter of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics.”
Professor Hawking will be renowned as one of the most famous physicists of his generation and in which many have praised him on his contribution to popular culture. From making iconic guest appearances on the sitcoms ‘The Simpsons’ and ‘The Big Bang Theory’ to having his own film biopic in which Eddie Redmayne gave an Oscar-winning portrayal of Professor Hawking in ‘The Theory of Everything’, based on the book written by Stephen’s first wife Jane, ‘Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen’.
Eddie Redmayne stated:
"We have lost a truly beautiful mind, an astonishing scientist and the funniest man I have ever had the pleasure to meet. My love and thoughts are with his extraordinary family."
"He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years. His courage and persistence, with his brilliance and humour, inspired people across the world. He once said, 'It would not be much of a universe if it wasn't home to the people you love.' We will miss him forever." his three children, Lucy, Robert and Tim, said in a joint statement.
The University of Cambridge, where Professor Hawking completed his PhD and went on to become Lucasian Professor of Mathematics - a role once held by Sir Isaac Newton - described him as "an inspiration to millions" and his work will leave “an indelible legacy”.
Also, those from the world of space, NASA tweeted:
“…His theories unlocked a universe of possibilities that we & the world are exploring. May you keep flying like superman in microgravity, as you said to astronauts on @Space_Station in 2014.”
The Motor Neurone Disease Association tweeted appreciating Hawking’s help in raising awareness for the disease: “…Our thoughts are with Professor Hawking’s family throughout his inspirational life Professor Hawking played a vital role in raising awareness of motor neurone disease around the world.” Following Hawking’s passing the charity received an “influx of donations”, resulting in their website to crash.
Now, it has emerged that the final resting place of Professor Stephen Hawking will be in Westminster Abbey. Therefore, it was decided only fitting that his remains are to be buried in the Abbey beside those of Britain’s greatest physicists. In which his ashes will be interred beside Sir Isaac Newton, who was buried in the Abbey in 1727 and alongside Charles Darwin was buried beside Newton in 1882.
Also, according to the Sunday Times, it was revealed that Hawking submitted a research paper just two weeks before his death suggesting how scientists could detect another universe and also had completed a theory unravelling his prediction for the end of the world. His final work – titled “A Smooth Exit from Eternal Inflation” is currently being reviewed by a leading scientific journal, in which he predicted how our universe would eventually fade to darkness as the stars run out of energy.
“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Be curious and however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.” – Professor Stephen Hawking (1942-2018)
Goodbye Stephen Hawking. Thank you for sharing your beautiful mind with the world and we hope you have fun out there among the stars.
By Hannah Gilby
Stephen Hawking’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/stephen_hawking_asks_big_questions_about_the_universe A brief history of Stephen Hawking:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/timelines/zwjmtfr
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